...As Wariyai Urges FG to Reject Outsiders for Bayelsa Pipeline Surveillance

Chief Pius Wariyai has criticized High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, over claims of serious and ongoing human rights abuses in the Niger Delta.

Wariyai called on the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop Tompolo's private security company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, from expanding its multi-billion naira pipeline surveillance work into Bayelsa State.

He said allowing the company to protect pipelines in Bayelsa could increase tension and put communities at risk.

According to Wariyai, Tompolo has refused to make changes despite many public complaints about his security operations.

He claimed that the federal pipeline surveillance program, which was created to protect oil facilities in nearby states, has instead become a tool for intimidation and fear in the region.

The community leader also say the wide powers given to the security company have allowed its armed personnel to operate with very little government supervision.

A major part of the allegations involves reports of people going missing and being taken across state borders from Bayelsa State.

Wariyai said many families claimed that, on Tompolo's instructions, their fathers, brothers, and sons were taken from their homes in Bayelsa and moved to Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State.

He said that after they were taken across state lines, the victims disappeared without any official information about where they were being held, leaving their families in pain and uncertainty.

Among those reported missing are Balamene Karowei and Charles Korubo. Their continued disappearance has caused concern among human rights groups and local organizations.

Despite many public appeals and official requests for information, no updates have been given to the media or the families about where they are or how they are doing.

Wariyai said these disappearances have caused great suffering, with many families continuing to live in sadness, uncertainty, and grief while asking the Federal Government for answers.

The allegations also include violent incidents in other parts of the South-South region.

Wariyai referred to videos circulating online that allegedly show Tantita Security operatives carrying out unlawful killings in Rivers State, including claims that some citizens were beheaded.

He said these reports, along with many formal complaints from across the region, have increased calls for an urgent and independent review of private security operations in the Niger Delta.

Because of these concerns, Wariyai appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to carefully consider the many petitions already submitted to the Presidency.

He said the government must take complaints about unlawful detention, missing persons, and alleged state-backed violence very seriously.

According to him, ignoring these complaints weakens the rule of law and could threaten the peace in oil-producing communities.

Wariyai also said the Federal Government should make sure that Tompolo, his associate Matthew Tonlagha, and their companies are not given any security or maritime surveillance contracts in Bayelsa State.

He argued that bringing outside security contractors into the state without the support of people creates conflict and ignores the area's social and political realities.

Wariyai added that Bayelsa has experienced and capable leaders who can protect oil facilities and handle security issues.

He recalled that during the Niger Delta struggle, leaders managed the situation responsibly before opening the way for peaceful talks with the Federal Government.

He also mentioned Chief Victor-Ben Ebikabowei, popularly known as General Boyloaf, saying that Bayelsa's leaders are ready and able to protect the state. He warned that no outside group should replace local authorities or take control of Bayelsa's security.